Robert "Bob" Mackin

Bob Mackin, a long-time Albany resident, died at age 90 on October 8 in Ridgefield, CT, where he had moved in 2023.

His death marked the end of a well-traveled and active life as a writer, business owner, lobbyist, spokesperson for government agencies and candidates for public office, and athlete. Bob was community-minded and philanthropic. He was a mentor to generations of professionals, as well as a great personal friend and family member to many who will miss him.

Jackhammer, his WWII espionage novel, earned wide praise from readers. He was working on a second novel at the time of his passing. Early in his career, he wrote more than fifty articles that appeared in such national magazines as Newsweek, TV Guide, Pageant, the New York Times, the New York Daily News, the Miami Herald, and Parade, where he also served as Associate Editor.

Bob authored several books and articles on insurance. He founded and published for 20 years The Insurance Legislators Fact Book and Almanac.

An avid viewer and participant in television game shows, he appeared on Match Game, Password, and To Tell the Truth. The experience served as the basis for an article entitled "Play for Pay," published in TV Guide.

Bob's public service included roles as a communications officer for NYS Attorney General Lefkowitz, the NYS Urban Development Corporation, and the Insurance Departments of NYS and California, where he served as Assistant Commissioner. He served as Chief of Staff to NYS Senator John R. Dunne.

Bob managed and worked on several statewide political campaigns, compiling a won-lost record of 12-1.

Bob founded Mackin & Company in 1985. The company, now Mackin & Casey, has had clients ranging from organizations of state legislators focused on insurance and gaming to trade associations representing insurance interests and craft beverage manufacturers. Clients have also included individual companies in those sectors.

Raised in Jamaica and Garden City Bob was a proud product of Jesuit education from grade school through his Bachelor's and Master's Degrees from Fordham.

A dedicated runner, Bob lettered in Track & Field at Fordham and raced with his lifelong friend Tom Courtney, two-time Olympic Gold Medalist.

Bob leaves behind a brother, retired Judge Ralph R. Mackin, and sister-in-law, Lorraine Fragette Mackin of North Salem, nephews Ralph R. Mackin, Jr. (Bridgette Shaffer), of Newtown, CT, and John C. Mackin (Joseph Loverro, DC) of Nichols, and a niece, Meredith Mackin Rilley (Bill Rilley) of New Fairfield, CT, a great-nephew, Ralph R. Mackin III of Denver, CO, and great-nieces, Cassidy Mackin Rilley of New York City and Mckenna Mackin Rilley of New Fairfield, CT.

Bob was predeceased by his friend and companion of many years Elizabeth Hough Barker of Delmar, and leaves behind her children Lawrence Barker (Kristen) of Poughkeepsie, Ellen Barker Dunagan of Arlington, VA, John Barker (Emily) of Greenville, SC, Catherine Barker Zuckerman (Eric), of Bethesda, MD, James Barker (Justine), of Mendham, NJ, and her 13 grandchildren who adored him and loved that Bob was part of their family.

Bob also leaves behind his former wife and friend Jean Meehan of Burlington, VT, and two stepsons, Brad Meehan (Christine) of Amherst, NH and John Meehan, MD (Tammy) of Mercer Island, WA.

He was a communicant of the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception and St. Mary's Church.

On Thursday, October 17, there will be a Mass of Christian Burial at St. Mary's Church, 10 Lodge St. in Albany at 10:30 a.m.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Elizabeth Hough Barker Memorial Scholarship c/o Siena College, 515 Loudon Road, Loudonville, NY 12211.

An Albany celebration of Bob's life for his friends, family, and colleagues will be announced at a later date.

A more expansive version of this obituary may be found at www.mackinco.com.